83 FR 12852 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 58 (March 26, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of false traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) resolution advisories. This AD requires modifying the software in the TCAS computer processor or replacing the TCAS computer with a new TCAS computer. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 58 (Monday, March 26, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12852-12856]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05013]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1096; Product Identifier 2017-NM-072-AD; Amendment 
39-19221; AD 2018-06-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model 
A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model 
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted 
by reports of false traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) 
resolution advisories. This AD requires modifying the software in the 
TCAS computer processor or replacing the TCAS computer with a new TCAS 
computer. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 12853]]

of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 30, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; internet 
http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1096.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1096; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Section, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A318, 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200 Freighter, -
200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and 
-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
November 30, 2017 (82 FR 56749) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted 
by reports of false TCAS resolution advisories. The NPRM proposed to 
require modifying the software in the TCAS computer processor or 
replacing the TCAS computer with a new TCAS computer. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent false TCAS resolution advisories. False TCAS 
resolution advisories could lead to a loss of separation with other 
airplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air collision.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0091R2, dated June 2, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200 
Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -
300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Since 2012, a number of false TCAS [traffic collision avoidance 
system] resolution advisories (RA) have been reported by various 
European Air Navigation Service Providers. EASA has published 
certification guidance material for collision avoidance systems (AMC 
20-15) which defines a false TCAS RA as an RA that is issued, but 
the RA condition does not exist. It is possible that more false (or 
spurious) RA events have occurred, but were not recorded or 
reported. The known events were mainly occurring on Airbus single-
aisle (A320 family) aeroplanes, although several events have also 
occurred on Airbus A330 aeroplanes. Investigation determined that 
the false RAs are caused on aeroplanes with a certain Honeywell TPA-
100B TCAS processor, P/N [part number] 940-0351-001, installed, 
through a combination of three factors: (1) Hybrid surveillance 
enabled; (2) processor connected to a hybrid GPS source, without a 
direct connection to a GPS source; and (3) an encounter with an 
intruder aeroplane with noisy (jumping) ADS-B Out position.
    EASA previously published Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 
2014-33 to inform owners and operators of affected aeroplanes about 
this safety concern. At that time, the false RAs were not considered 
an unsafe condition. Since the SIB was issued, further events have 
been reported, involving a third aeroplane.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a loss of 
separation with other aeroplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air 
collision.
    Prompted by these latest findings, and after review of the 
available information, EASA reassessed the severity and rate of 
occurrence of false RAs and has decided that mandatory action must 
be taken to reduce the rate of occurrence, and the risk of loss of 
separation with other aeroplanes.
    Honeywell International Inc. published Service Bulletin (SB) 
940-0351-34-0005 [Publication Number D201611000002] to provide 
instructions for an upgrade of TPA-100B processors P/N 940-0351-001 
to P/N 940-0351-005, introducing software version 05/01.
    Consequently, Airbus developed certain modifications (mod 159658 
and mod 206608) and published SB A32034-1656, SB A320-34-1657, SB 
A330-34-3342, SB A340-34-4304 and SB A340-34-5118, to provide 
instructions for in-service introduction of the software update 
(including change to P/N 940-0351-005) on the affected aeroplanes, 
or to replace the TCAS processor with a P/N 940-0351-005 unit.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2017-0091, to require modification 
or replacement of Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 
processors, hereafter referred to as `affected processor' in this 
[EASA] AD. That [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of an affected 
processor on post-mod aeroplanes.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, it was found that an error had 
been introduced, inadvertently restricting the required action to 
those aeroplanes that had the affected part installed on the Airbus 
production line, thereby excluding those that had the part installed 
in-service by Airbus SB. Consequently, EASA revised AD 2017-0091 to 
amend Note 1 and include references to the relevant Airbus SBs that 
introduced the affected processor in service.
    Since EASA AD 2017-0091R1 was issued, prompted by operator 
feedback and to avoid confusion, it was decided to exclude 
aeroplanes that had an affected processor installed by STC, for 
which EASA AD No.: 2017-0091R2 separate [EASA] AD action is planned. 
It was also determined that the prohibition to install an affected 
processor was too strict, particularly for Group 2 aeroplanes.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to 
reduce the Applicability, introduce some minor editorial changes and 
to amend paragraph (3).

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1096.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Supportive Comment

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International supported the NPRM.

Request To Refer to Revised Service Information

    Airbus requested that the NPRM be updated to reference the current 
revision level of certain service information. Airbus noted that four 
of the service bulletins referred to in the NPRM were revised.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have updated the preamble 
and paragraph (i) of this AD to refer to the revised service 
information. Because the revised service information does not include 
any additional actions, we have added paragraph (l) to this AD to 
provide credit for actions accomplished prior to the effective date of 
this AD using the applicable Airbus service bulletin identified in 
paragraphs (l)(1)

[[Page 12854]]

through (l)(4) of this AD. We have redesignated subsequent paragraphs 
accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information, which 
describes procedures for modifying the software in the TCAS computer 
processor and procedures for replacing the TCAS computer with a new 
TCAS computer. These documents are distinct since they apply to 
different airplane models in different configurations.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1656, Revision 01, dated 
September 6, 2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, Revision 01, dated 
September 6, 2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, Revision 01, dated 
November 13, 2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19, 
2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, Revision 01, dated 
September 12, 2017.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 205 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software modification.................  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170         $34,850
                                         hour = $170.
TCAS replacement......................  2 work-hours x $85 per               298             468          95,940
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866,
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-06-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-19221; Docket No. FAA-2017-1096; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-072-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 30, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, all manufacturer serial 
numbers, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(11) of this AD; except those Model A318, A319, 
A320 and A321 series airplanes that have been modified by a 
supplemental type certificate (STC) that installs Honeywell traffic 
alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) 7.1 processor, part 
number (P/N) 940-0351-001.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, 
and -271N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes.

[[Page 12855]]

    (5) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (6) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (7) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, 
and -343 airplanes.
    (8) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (9) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (10) Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (11) Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of false TCAS resolution 
advisories. We are issuing this AD to prevent false TCAS resolution 
advisories, which could lead to a loss of separation with other 
airplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air collision.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Definition of Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, Group 1 airplanes are those 
that have a Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 processor that 
was installed during production, or in-service using the procedures 
in the applicable service information identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1504.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1506.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1533.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1534.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1572.
    (vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3247.
    (vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3281.
    (viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3344.
    (ix) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4263.
    (x) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4254.
    (xi) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5076.
    (xii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5087.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, Group 2 airplanes are airplanes 
that do not have a Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 
processor installed.

(h) Software Modification or TCAS Processor Replacement

    For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
modification of the TCAS processor to upgrade the software, or 
replace the TCAS processor with a TCAS TPA-100B processor having P/N 
940-0351-005, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service information identified in paragraph (i) of 
this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for modifying an 
affected TCAS processor and re-identifying the processor as P/N 940-
0351-005 can be found in paragraph 3.F. of Honeywell Service 
Bulletin 940-0351-34-0005, dated January 20, 2017.

(i) Service Information for Accomplishment of Actions Specified in 
Paragraph (h) of This AD

    Use the applicable service information specified in paragraphs 
(i)(1) through (i)(5) of this AD to accomplish the actions required 
by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (1) For Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, 
A320-212, A320-214, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, and A320-233 
airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-34-1656, Revision 01, dated September 6, 2017.
    (2) For Model A320-251N and Model A320-271N airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, Revision 01, dated September 6, 2017.
    (3) For Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series 
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, Revision 01, dated 
November 13, 2017.
    (4) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19, 2017.
    (5) For Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, Revision 01, dated September 12, 
2017.

(j) Identification of Airplanes That Do Not Have a Honeywell TPA-100B 
TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 Processor Installed

    An airplane on which Airbus modification 159658 or Airbus 
modification 206608, as applicable, has been embodied in production 
and on which it can be positively determined that no TCAS processor 
has been replaced or modified on that airplane since its date of 
manufacture is a Group 2 airplane, as identified in paragraph (g)(2) 
of this AD. Group 2 airplanes are not affected by the requirements 
of paragraph (h) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable to make this determination, provided those 
records can be relied upon for that purpose and that the TCAS 
processor part number and software standard can be positively 
identified from that review.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    Installation of a Honeywell TCAS TPA-100B processor having P/N 
940-0351-001 is prohibited, as required by paragraphs (k)(1) and 
(k)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD: After modification of an airplane as required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD: As of the effective date of this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable Airbus service bulletin identified in paragraphs 
(l)(1) through (l)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1656, dated April 19, 2017.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, dated April 19, 2017.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, dated April 19, 2017.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, dated April 19, 2017.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval 
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0091R2, dated June 2, 2017, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1096.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223.

[[Page 12856]]

    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1656, Revision 01, dated 
September 6, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, Revision 01, dated 
September 6, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, Revision 01, dated 
November 13, 2017.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19, 2017.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, Revision 01, dated 
September 12, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email [email protected]; 
internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 2, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-05013 Filed 3-23-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P